In a major boost to Indian agricultural exports and the government’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, APEDA has facilitated the first ever export of 20 metric tonnes of honey from Baksa district in Assam to the US, ANI reported.According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the consignment was marked on May 9 and exported by APEDA-registered export company M/s Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd.“In a major push to diversify India’s agricultural exports and strengthen the Single Producer (ODOP) initiative, the first ever export consignment of ODOP honey was launched from Baksa, an aspirational district in Assam, to the USA on May 09, 2026 through the APEDA initiative,” the ministry said in a statement.The ministry said the 20 metric tons shipment was sourced from the Baksa region, which was identified under the ODOP program for strong honey production and export potential.“Honey from the Baksa region comes from environmentally friendly, pesticide-free environments and is known for its high quality and semi-organic properties, reflecting the region’s rich biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices,” the statement said.
The ministry noted that collecting honey was a traditional practice by indigenous communities such as the Karbi, Miching and Bodo tribes, where honey has long been used for nutritional, medicinal and cultural purposes.According to National Horticulture Board data cited in the release, Assam produced around 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during FY24. The major honey producing districts in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in Bodoland regional district.The government said the export initiative is expected to significantly improve revenues for local beekeepers and farmers.“This initiative is expected to greatly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with producers receiving approximately 43 per cent higher prices compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, thus enhancing income opportunities and enhancing rural livelihoods in the region,” the ministry said.According to the statement, APEDA supported the export process by facilitating infrastructure development and providing testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure compliance with global standards of food safety and quality.“The export initiative represents an important milestone in integrating farmers from aspiring regions into global value chains, ensuring better price realization and sustainable market access,” the ministry added.The ODOP initiative seeks to promote region-specific products, strengthen local economies, encourage value addition, and create job opportunities by linking regional products to international markets.